September 5, 2025 at 12:00 PM
Upon the conclusion of our meeting yesterday with Paladin Airport Security Services (PASS), Unifor is doubtful that the employer has the intention of addressing any of the ongoing and unacceptable working conditions that we have outlined on multiple occasions.
"For more than 16 months, Unifor members working for PASS have been denied proper breaks, access to washrooms, and drinking water," said Unifor National President Lana Payne.
"This type of callous behaviour is unacceptable. In 2025, how can any employer in Canada deny workers such basic needs? Enough is enough."
Unifor Local 2002 represents more than 1,000 members who work at PASS in Calgary as airport screening officers, training specialists and team leaders.
Paladin airport screening officers, training specialists and team leaders, are demanding more from an employer whose contract is worth over $1 billion.
"The management at PASS lacks human empathy and does not have the general understanding of how to operate a security operation for Calgary International Airport – one of Canada’s busiest air transportation hubs," said Unifor Local 2002 President, Tammy Moore.
"It’s also disappointing to our membership who simply wish to perform their duties, ensuring the safety and security of air travellers who pass through Calgary Airport."
Unifor’s leadership team has been pushing the employer for months to resolve many of the improper working conditions, only to be met by representatives that are uninterested or unwilling to listen. As a result, Unifor has sent an open letter to CATSA – the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority – advising the CEO of the ongoing issues between the union and PASS.
ABOUT CATSA
The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority is a Crown corporation responsible for securing specific elements of the air transportation system – from passenger and baggage screening to screening airport workers.
CATSA is fully funded by parliamentary appropriations and is accountable to Parliament through the Minister of Transport, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland.
CONTACT YOUR MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT
We are asking Unifor members at PASS to help bring awareness about the unacceptable working conditions at Paladin Airport Security Services. Too many of you have reported delayed or missed work breaks, being denied access to bathroom facilities and drinking water, and experiencing a general lack of respect from your employer. These conditions are not only unfair, they are unsafe, and Unifor is concerned that these working conditions may have an impact on the safety of travelers moving though Calgary International Airport.
We encourage you to share your personal experiences directly with your Member of Parliament. Your stories matter, and they carry weight. By reaching out, you are helping to ensure that decision-makers understand the seriousness of these issues and the urgent need for change in the way airport security workers are treated.
Together, we will continue to stand up for respect, dignity, and fairness in the workplace. Please take the time to contact your MP. Your voice can make a real difference.
FIND YOUR MP AND E-MAIL THEM DIRECTLY
IMPORTANT:
Please be sure to include the Minister of Jobs and Families, as well as the Minister of Transport.
Copy the following Ministers in your response:
Patty Hajdu
Minister of Jobs and Families
[email protected]
Chrystia Freeland
Minister of Transport
[email protected]
NOTE:
When contacting your Member of Parliament, you must include your full mailing address and postal code at the top of the email message.
Please stay tuned for further updates.
Your Unifor Leadership Team
Kelly Wilson – Bargaining Committee Chairperson/District Chairperson
Harold Bateman – Assistant to the Unifor Local 2002 President
Tammy Moore – President, Unifor Local 2002
25-09-05 PASS Membership Update EN.txt